Turning Point: Fox Executives Thought the 'X-Men' Movie Would Be a 'Disaster' in 2000
Former Fox Filmed Entertainment CEO, Tom Rothman, recalls a different outlook about superhero movies at the time.
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🔗 Original sourceTom Rothman, the former CEO of Fox Filmed Entertainment, recently revealed that in 2000, Fox executives thought the 'X-Men' movie would be a disaster. This admission highlights the significant shift in the perception of superhero movies over the years. The success of 'X-Men' paved the way for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), which has become a cultural phenomenon.
WHAT HAPPENED
Account to The Hollywood Reporter, Tom Rothman, the former CEO of Fox Filmed Entertainment, recalls that in 2000, Fox executives were skeptical about the success of the 'X-Men' movie. Rothman stated, 'We were all worried that this was going to be a disaster.' The movie was released in July 2000 and went on to gross over $296 million worldwide. The film's success was a turning point for the superhero genre, which had been struggling to find its footing in Hollywood. The 'X-Men' movie was a low-budget film, with a budget of $75 million, but its success exceeded expectations, demonstrating the potential of comic book movies. At the time, superhero movies were not considered a viable option for major studios, but the success of 'X-Men' changed that perception.
WHY IT MATTERS
The success of 'X-Men' marked a significant shift in the perception of superhero movies. Prior to the film's release, superhero movies were seen as a niche market, with limited appeal. However, the film's success demonstrated that superhero movies could be a mainstream phenomenon. The MCU, which was launched in 2008 with the release of 'Iron Man,' has become a cultural phenomenon, with a global box office gross of over $22 billion. The success of the MCU has paved the way for other comic book movies, such as 'Wonder Woman' and 'Black Panther,' which have become cultural touchstones. The success of superhero movies has also had a significant impact on the film industry, with many studios now investing heavily in comic book movies. The success of 'X-Men' has also led to a significant increase in the number of comic book movies being produced, with many studios now competing for a share of the market.
“We were all worried that this was going to be a disaster.”
WHAT WE DON'T KNOW YET
While the success of 'X-Men' marked a significant shift in the perception of superhero movies, there are still many questions surrounding the genre. One of the biggest questions is whether the MCU can continue to sustain itself in the long term. The franchise has been releasing a new movie every year since 2008, and some critics have argued that the quality of the films has begun to decline. Additionally, there are concerns about the impact of the MCU on the broader film industry, with some arguing that the franchise has become too dominant and is stifling creativity. The success of the MCU has also raised questions about the role of IP in the film industry, with some arguing that the franchise's success is due in part to its reliance on established characters and storylines.
WHAT TO WATCH
In the next 24-72 hours, we can expect to see further developments in the world of comic book movies. With the success of the MCU, many studios are now investing heavily in comic book movies, and several new films are set to be released in the coming months. One of the most highly anticipated films is 'The Eternals,' which is set to be released in November 2023. The film is directed by Chloé Zhao and features a diverse cast, including Angelina Jolie and Salma Hayek. We can also expect to see further developments in the world of streaming, with several new comic book shows set to be released on platforms such as Disney+ and HBO Max.
The original 'X-Men' movie was filmed in just 67 days, despite its significant impact on the film industry.
The success of 'X-Men' marked a significant turning point in the history of superhero movies. The film's success demonstrated the potential of comic book movies and paved the way for the MCU, which has become a cultural phenomenon. While there are still many questions surrounding the genre, one thing is clear: the success of 'X-Men' has had a lasting impact on the film industry. As a result, the genre continues to evolve, with new films and shows being released regularly.
